I'm a little bummed that I didn't get to run last night, but my throat was killing me for the second day in a row and my 2 mile run was horrible with my throat hurting...so I decided to get some sleep and rest instead.
However - I am a firm believer in when you are sick - sweat it out! Whenever I have felt sick or a cold coming on -I haven't waivered in my exercise and I think it's helped. Everyone around me got bronchitis and I started getting a cough but I've been very mild compared to everyone else...of course, it could all be in my head!
So I finally decided to do some actual research on the topic and I guess I was wrong :
Your immune system fights most effectively when it isn't stressed. Research studies show that a moderate fitness program helps boost the immune system, lessening the chances you'll fall ill with a cold or flu. But scientists also note that a single rigorous exercise session or race can actually make you more susceptible to bacterial or viral infection.
So listen to your body when you feel sick and need to rest -- a hard workout could impair your immune system for several hours, allowing unwelcome guests to make your illness worse.
And make sure you give your body enough time to recover before you return to exercise after a serious illness like the flu. Come back too soon and you may actually send yourself into a relapse of the illness, which further slows your return to everyday activities.
Here's some advice from Applegate on ways you can balance exercise and illness this winter.
Fever. If you're hot, skip the workout. Elevated body temperature raises your heart rate, and exercise jacks up your heat and heartbeats even more, putting stress on your immune system.
Aches and pains. Forget the exercise if you have nagging muscle pains or a headache, which could be a sign your body is trying to fight off a bug.
Upset stomach. If you are having trouble keeping down solid food, you should not be keeping up with the exercise. Your body could use the rest, and exertion could make you feel worse.
Hacking cough or lung congestion. It's not a pretty thought, but you could be pretty sick if you are coughing stuff up. This is a sign your respiratory system is under siege and probably would not be up to the rapid-fire breathing you usually work up to when you are in your best form.
When your illness seems to be letting up, work back into your exercise routine slowly. Before you even head back to the gym, allow three to four days of rest after a bad cold and at least a week or so after the flu.
However, in spite of what I learned via the email - I'm still going to sweat it out in hopes of it working...I can't imagine taking off 3-4 AFTER the flu....I might lose motivation and joy of running if I do that!
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